3 arrested after Smith County pursuit results in meth bust

SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) - Three Smith County residents are in jail after a high-speed pursuit resulted in a methamphetamine bust Tuesday.

Jacob Edward Kovarik, 44, of Chandler, Brandy Yvette Rucker, 48, of Whitehouse, and Brandy Havard Franklin, 31, of Tyler, were arrested after a Tuesday pursuit on US 271 North in Smith County. According to the release from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, the pursuit began after a Pct. 5 deputy constable attempted to make a traffic stop on a southbound vehicle, later found to be driven by Kovarik.

The release said Kovarik pulled into the parking lot of a restaurant on US 271 and I-20, dropping off a passenger later found to be Franklin, before evading once again onto 271. Kovarik later turned the vehicle around and returned to the restaurant, reportedly attempting to flee on foot. He was captured shortly after in a wooded area, the release said.

During the pursuit of Kovarik, a Smith County K-9 deputy was able to capture Franklin, the release said. Rucker was also arrested while reportedly attempting to assist Franklin’s escape. A search of a pickup truck Franklin and Rucker were standing next to resulted in the finding of 92.6 grams of methamphetamines and a digital scale, the release said.

Along with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Pct. 5 Constable’s Office, the Smith County Pct. 4 Constables Office, Smith County Pct. 1 Constables Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety assisted in the arrests.

Kovarik was charged with evading arrest and possession of a controlled substance, and is being held on $75,000 total bonds. Rucker and Franklin were charged with delivery of a controlled substance, and are each being held on $100,000 bonds.